Detectives from the Licking County Sheriff's Office have arrested two men following the execution of two residential search warrants on May 29. These actions are part of ongoing investigations into the online exploitation of children.
According to a press release from the Licking County Sheriff's Office, the first warrant was executed in the 100 block of Crabapple Lane in Etna Township. This search led to the arrest of 21-year-old William Doran on charges related to pandering sexually oriented material involving a juvenile.
The release further states that a second warrant was carried out in the 2200 block of W. High Street in Hanover, resulting in the arrest of Allen VanWey, 51, on similar charges.
According to the news release, these investigations commenced after receiving cyber tips from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Evidence collected during these searches is currently undergoing analysis.
The Licking County Sheriff's Office emphasized its commitment to investigating all cases involving online child exploitation and said it will continue collaborating with partner agencies to bring offenders to justice.
The release also urged anyone suspecting online exploitation of a child to report it immediately to local authorities or through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.cybertipline.com. It reiterated that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
